"I'm really sorry for scaring you…" Tuoba Yu 'er was puzzled."Who are you? Why did he suddenly appear here?”
"I'm Dugu Ningke, the princess of the imperial court."”
Tuoba Yu 'er said," Humph, no wonder that dog soldier called you princess. Since you are also a lackey of the Sui Family, then hand over your life!"”As he spoke, he lifted the sword and was about to slash it. " Let her finish first…" Chen Jingchou stopped her." Dugu Ningke was frightened. She covered her nose with a silk handkerchief and started crying sadly.
Tuoba Yu 'er also regretted her recklessness.""Alright, I won't make things difficult for you…Tell me what's going on!”
Dugu Ningke gently wiped the corner of his eyes with a silk handkerchief."I'm not with them. If I wanted to harm you, why did I save you just now?”
"Aren't they your subordinates?" Tuoba Yu 'er asked.”
" They are Grand Tutor Yuwen's subordinates," Dugu Ningke said with an aggrieved expression." They were sent to spy on me…"
Chen Jingchou asked curiously,"Surveillance?" Aren't you the princess? Why are they spying on you?"
" I followed Grand Tutor Yuwen out to see how he would capture the assassin," Dugu Ningke lowered his head and said. -- I didn't expect that as soon as I left the dragon boat, I would know that the world was in chaos and the people were in misery! -- I was in the palace before, so I didn't know that it was so miserable outside! I saw that the people who rebelled were all forced by tyranny. I felt very sorry for them! But in order to please the Emperor, Grand Tutor Yuwen had cruelly suppressed them. I couldn't stand it anymore, so I quarreled with him! --”
"So, he sent his subordinates to put you under house arrest?" Chen Jingchou asked.”
" Yes." Dugu Ningke nodded." He was planning to send someone to send me back to the capital. Fortunately, I met you on the way and killed his eagle hound."
Chen Jingchou pondered for a moment, then nodded slightly and said,""I see…Sister Yu 'Er, you scared me just now!”Tuoba Yu 'er put down her sword and said,""Princess, please forgive me for offending you just now!”Dugu Ningke hurriedly returned the greeting.
" Right," Chen Jingchou said." We're looking for a divine cauldron that Grand Tutor Yuwen stole. Have you heard anything?"”
Dugu Ningke smiled and said,""Are you referring to the Shennong Cauldron? The Shennong Cauldron was on this ship!”When Chen Jingchou heard this, he was shocked. Yu Xiaoxue exclaimed. Dugu Ningke was afraid that they wouldn't believe him, so he slowly turned around and continued,""Grand Preceptor Yuwen is planning to hide the divine cauldron from the emperor and secretly transport it back to the capital, hiding it in Grand Preceptor Manor! -- And this was the ship that transported the divine cauldron!”
Chen Jingchou clapped his hands together and said happily,"I've worn my shoes and searched everywhere, but I found it without any effort!" What a coincidence!"
"That's great!" Yu Xiaoxue also said. Brother Chen, Sister Tuoba, if this divine cauldron is really on the ship, we don't have to look around anymore!”
A strange look flashed across Dugu Ningke's face, but it disappeared in an instant."May I ask, what is your purpose in searching for this divine cauldron?”
Chen Jingchou hesitated for a moment." It's like this. The Shennong Cauldron was originally a sacred object in Miss Tuoba's tribe. However, it was forcefully taken away by Grand Tutor Yuwen. So…"
"In that case, I'll return this cauldron to you!" Dugu Ningke said with a smile.”The moment these words were said, the few of them were greatly surprised. "This…How can this be? If Grand Tutor Yuwen comes to investigate, you…" Dugu Ningke interrupted and waved his hand."That cauldron wasn't ours to begin with. Today, it's time to return it to its original owner! -- Come with me, the cauldron is at the bottom of the boat. I'll bring you down together!”After saying that, he left the cabin without hesitation. Chen Jingchou was delighted, and Yu Xiaoxue followed him.
"Wait!" Tuoba Yu 'er suddenly said. "Sister Yu 'er, what's wrong?" Chen Jingchou turned around and asked.”"You're too unguarded!" Tuoba Yu 'er said. -- You can't know a man's heart by his face. What if she was acting from the beginning to the end and set up a trap? If the three of us went down, do you think we could still escape?”
Chen Jingchou scratched his head." Mm, that makes sense. But why do I feel like she's a good person? She wouldn't lie to us, right?"”Tuoba Yu 'er snorted and turned her head away. "Sister Tuoba, what do you think we should do?" Yu Xiaoxue asked.”Tuoba Yu 'er said," Do you even need to ask? Of course, we'll send someone down first!"”"Then who should we send?" Chen Jingchou asked.”Tuoba Yu 'er frowned and said,"Silly girl!" Of course it's you…Don't tell me you want us two girls to die first! Besides, hmph! Don't you want to follow her down?!" "Of course I'm going down." Chen Jingchou felt strange.”He could only turn around and walk down the cabin alone.
Dugu Ningke waited for a while by the wooden ladder in the lower cabin, only to see Chen Jingchou come down alone. He asked,""What's wrong with everyone? Why did you come down alone?”
"Well, one of my companions is worried that this is a trap, so…" Chen Jingchou stuttered."Really! Since she said so, I'll go up and ask her to take me as a hostage!”" Ah, that's not necessary…" Chen Jingchou hurriedly said." Dugu Ningke turned around and walked over." Chen Jingchou also followed.
Dugu Ningke walked up to Tuoba Yu 'er and said with a smile,""Lady Tuoba! I've already returned the divine cauldron to you, but you still refuse to believe me!”
Tuoba Yu 'er crossed her arms in front of her chest and said,""I'm very sorry…but we must be wary of others. We still have to be vigilant!”" Alright," Dugu Ningke said." Since you're worried, you can use your saber to escort me away!"”"That's a good idea!" Tuoba Yu 'er said without hesitation.”As he spoke, he reached out his knife. "Wait!" Chen Jingchou hurriedly stopped him. Sister Yu 'Er! This…this is too rude!" "Sister Tuoba, we can't do this!" Yu Xiaoxue also said.”Tuoba Yu 'er hung her saber in mid-air and said,""This is the enemy's territory. If anything goes wrong, none of us will be able to get out alive!”But Dugu Ningke actually put his neck on the edge of the blade and smiled.""Heehee, it's quite fun. Let's go!" Chen Jingchou had no choice but to let Tuoba Yu 'er escort Dugu Ningke down the stairs.
Dugu Ningke led everyone to the innermost cabin at the bottom of the ship. A bronze cauldron stood in the room, about half the height of a person. "This is the divine cauldron that Grand Tutor Yuwen snatched!" Dugu Ningke pointed at the cauldron.”Tuoba Yu 'er let go of Dugu Ningke and walked closer. She bent down to examine the situation carefully, and then she rubbed her hands."Ah! The patterns on this cauldron are completely correct. This is really our tribe's divine cauldron!”
"Look…he was sincere in returning the cauldron to you, but you treat him like this!" Chen Jingchou said.”
Tuoba Yu 'er walked up to Dugu Ningke and said,""I'm sorry, Princess, I've wronged you!”
Dugu Ningke quickly waved his hand and smiled.""It's alright!" "Oh right, how are you going to move this huge cauldron back to the north?"”
"Princess, don't worry!" Chen Jingchou laughed. My master once gave me an ancient divine artifact. It should be able to store this thing!”As he spoke, he took out an ancient white jade pot from his bosom. The bottom of the pot was only slightly wider than a fist. He pointed the mouth of the pot at the Shennong Cauldron. In the blink of an eye, the Shennong Cauldron disappeared. It turned into a white light and was actually sucked into the pot. Dugu Ningke was surprised to see this. He couldn't help but exclaim as he looked at the porcelain pot.
"Princess Dugu, do you also recognize this pot?" Chen Jingchou asked.”
Dugu Ningke seemed to have woken up from a dream and quickly waved his hand.""No, no, of course I don't know! I just saw such a big cauldron, but it could actually fit into this small pot. I felt very strange!”
Chen Jingchou kept the jade pot and said,""This is not an ordinary pot, but a national treasure of our Chen Dynasty. It is like the divine cauldron that Yu 'er's sister's tribe has guarded for generations. It is called the Devil Refining Pot.”
"I see…" Dugu Ningke nodded."Childe Chen, you must be careful! Don't let that hateful Grand Tutor Yuwen find out. If he knows that you have such a treasure, he will definitely send people to snatch it by hook or crook!”"Thank you for your reminder, Princess!" Chen Jingchou said.”" Alright," Dugu Ningke raised his head and said." Let's go up first."”
Everyone climbed up the wooden ladder and walked to the aisle of the upper cabin. Suddenly, two maidservants rushed over from outside the cabin. They ran straight to Dugu Ningke, bowed, and said in unison,"That's great! The princess was safe and sound, this servant was so worried!”Dugu Ningke was delighted and smiled.""Ah! So it was Xiaoxiao and Yanhong. Don't worry, I'm fine!" He turned his head and said," These three young heroes are here to help us fight against Grand Tutor Yuwen!”Xiao Xiao and Yanhong bowed and praised,""You righteous men are really amazing!" " Oh, right." Dugu Ningke thought for a moment and said," Go up there and prepare another boat for me." I want to give this ship to a few friends!”
"Princess Dugu, we owe you too much!" Chen Jingchou hurriedly said. " This, how can this be…" Dugu Ningke laughed."Don't mention it, don't mention it. I'm more than happy to be able to get to know your friends!”Xiao Xiao and Yanhong hurriedly went up to the deck after giving him a look. "Come, let's go up too!" Dugu Ningke said.”
Everyone came to the deck of the ship. Xiao Xiao and Yan Hong were already waiting there. They reported together,"Princess, the boat you ordered is ready.”Dugu Ningke nodded and turned to Chen Jingchou.""You can take this big ship along the waterway and bring the cauldron back to the north with peace of mind.”"Princess, thank you so much!" I really don't know how to thank you!”Dugu Ningke smiled and waved his fan."Don't stand on ceremony. We're all on the same side in the future!”Yu Xiaoxue also thanked him.
" This little girl's white hair is so beautiful," Dugu Ningke said." It's as white as snow. I didn't notice it just now!"”As he spoke, he looked at Yu Xiaoxue carefully. Yu Xiaoxue was shy. She lowered her head and said," My…my hair…" Dugu Ningke laughed."Your face is red…so beautiful! By the way, I think this bell hairpin suits you very well, so I'll give it to you. It's our first meeting, so I don't have any other gifts!”As he spoke, he took a golden hairpin from his head and stuffed it into Yu Xiaoxue's hand. Yu Xiaoxue saw that the hairpin was exquisitely carved and inlaid with jewels and jade. It was very exquisite. She did not dare to accept it and quickly retracted her hand. Dugu Ningke insisted that she accept it. Yu Xiaoxue looked at Chen Jingchou, but she couldn't refuse and could only thank him.
Chen Jingchou recalled something and took out a map from his bosom.""Princess Dugu, I would like to invite you to take a look at this map. By the way, do you know the meaning of this map?”"What map?" Dugu Ningke asked curiously.”Chen Jingchou handed over the map and said,""This is what we found on Grand Tutor Yuwen's subordinates.”Dugu Ningke took the map and looked at it. His expression changed slightly, but he didn't think much of it. He handed the map back and said,""This is the first time I've seen this map, so I don't know what this pattern means! I'm really sorry!"
"It's alright, I'm just asking casually!" Chen Jingchou said.”Dugu Ningke shook his fan and said," However, I do know that Grand Tutor Yuwen has been instigating the Emperor to build a Supreme Tower near Luoyang!"-- Recently, he had been looking for the five ancient divine artifacts, the Zither Cauldron, the Mirror Stone, and so on. He really did not know what he was trying to do!”"Grand Tutor Yuwen is also collecting Primordial Divine Artifacts?" Chen Jingchou asked in surprise. Could it be, could it be that he also wanted to make a nine-five formation!”"What is the Nine-Five Formation?" Dugu Ningke asked curiously.”
Chen Jingchou composed himself and replied,"Master once told me: As long as he collected the five ancient divine artifacts, the Fuxi Zither, the Shennong Cauldron, the Kongtong Seal, the Kunlun Mirror, and the Nuwa Stone, he would be able to make a formation called the Nine-Five Formation. This formation would allow the person who formed it to own the world!”" What?" Dugu Ningke was shocked." So, Grand Tutor Yuwen's ambition is to defeat my uncle and become the emperor himself?"”Chen Jingchou wasn't too sure either. He said,""That's indeed possible! However, the world was already chaotic enough. If an ambitious person like Grand Tutor Yuwen became the emperor, the people would really have no way to live!”"Young Master Chen is right!" Dugu Ningke said. We must stop him. We must not let his scheme be punished!”"How despicable!" she said, her cheeks flushed red with anger. I have to hurry back and tell my uncle to be on guard against this bad guy!”He turned around and said," I'm sorry. I'll take my leave first. On your way back, you must be careful of Grand Tutor Yuwen's sneak attack!" I'm very happy to meet you all. See you again!”As he spoke, he got off the boat. Chen Jingchou and the other two also waved goodbye. Yanhong and Xiaoxiao paddled, and the small boat gradually left the sight of the three of them, disappearing into the sparkling waves.
Chen Jingchou stood at the bow of the boat and watched Dugu Ningke leave. Tuoba Yu 'er said," I really couldn't tell that this Princess Dugu is a good person!"”
"You always suspect others for no reason. Now you know!" Chen Jingchou said.”Tuoba Yu 'er crossed her arms in front of her chest and said,""Alright, alright, it's my fault this time! Is that enough?" "Brother Chen, where are we going now?" Yu Xiaoxue asked.”"Of course, we're going to the Devil King's Stronghold to return the cauldron." Chen Jingchou hesitated for a moment.”Tuoba Yu 'er shook her head. Ah Chou, let's go to Daliang to refine the medicine first!”"But Sister Yu 'er, there isn't much time left. Will we be able to make it in time?" Chen Jingchou hurriedly said.”"There's still some time before the 15-day deadline. We should be able to make it!" Tuoba Yu 'er said. I'm just afraid that if I lose to King Cheng in the martial arts competition, wouldn't that delay your big plans?”Chen Jingchou felt grateful.
The few of them immediately set sail. A few days later, the ship arrived at the shore of Daliang. Chen Jingchou and the others entered the city and inquired about it from passersby. They found the largest herbal medicine shop in Daliang City. The three of them walked into the shop. Chen Jingchou took out the prescription and handed it to the shopkeeper.""Please grab a dose of medicine."
The shopkeeper took it and was stunned. He twirled his long beard and looked troubled. "Excuse me, sir, is there anything wrong with this prescription?" Chen Jingchou asked hurriedly.”The shopkeeper shook his head." These five herbs are all rare and precious. Four of them had been brought back from overseas yesterday. However, our restaurant really can't do anything about this meat.”
Chen Jingchou, Yu Xiaoxue, and Tuoba Yu 'er looked at each other and said,""Then where can I buy this meat? I hope Old Mister can give me some advice." The shopkeeper paused for a moment and said," This is an unusually ferocious bird. It nests in caves deep in the mountains and is huge. None of the hunters who had captured it had ever returned alive. Usually, it was difficult to even see it once, let alone buy it!”When Chen Jingchou heard this, he pondered for a while and said,""Then may I ask if you know where this can be found?”The shopkeeper shook his head." I'm not too sure about that either. I've heard that someone has seen it a few times in the mountains tens of miles away from the west gate of Daliang."”"Brother Chen, what should we do?" Yu Xiaoxue asked.”Chen Jingchou thought for a while and made up his mind. He said,""Shopkeeper, wrap those four herbs for me first!”The shopkeeper agreed and took the medicine. Chen Jingchou paid the bill and kept the medicine in his pocket. The three of them left the shop.
Chen Jingchou identified the direction and headed west. "Where are we going?" Yu Xiaoxue asked.”Tuoba Yu 'er said,"Someone is going to catch them, so let's follow them."”"Really?" Yu Xiaoxue asked. That's very dangerous!" "No matter how dangerous it is, I still want to try," said Chen Jingchou.”
After walking for another two hours, they arrived at the foot of a huge mountain. Looking up, the mountain peaks stood tall, covered in clouds and fog, and the forest was dense. The three of them walked up the mountain. The valley was green, the winding stream was deep, the sound of water was faint, and the long grass reached their knees. Not long after, it began to drizzle. The surroundings were misty. The green pines were drenched in the rain, and their clothes were wet. The road was indescribably slippery and muddy. He walked up the mountain with difficulty. After passing through a valley and climbing halfway up the mountain, the rain gradually stopped. The three of them walked slowly along the path along the cliff. Beside them was a cliff that was ten thousand feet high. The clouds below the cliff rolled up and down, and the bottom of the cliff could not be seen. After a while, the path became even narrower. Yu Xiaoxue turned her head and looked down the mountain. She panicked and slipped, almost falling into the deep valley. Fortunately, Chen Jingchou pulled him back in time. After taking a few more steps forward, the path was only a few inches wide, and there was a gap in front of him. The gap was nearly two people wide, and it was impossible to walk any further. Chen Jingchou had no choice but to stop. He looked up at the top of the mountain and saw a cave several feet high in the stone wall."Let's go to the cave and rest for a while! Then we'll make a fuss." Tuoba Yu 'er and Yu Xiaoxue agreed. Chen Jingchou heaved a sigh of relief. He kicked his feet and climbed up the vines. He then pulled Yu Xiaoxue and Tuoba Yu 'er up.
As soon as they walked into the cave, a gust of cold wind blew from inside the cave. Yu Xiaoxue covered her mouth and nose and couldn't help but sneeze. "This wind is really strange!" Chen Jingchou said curiously. Could it be that this cave is connected to both ends?" Afraid that the two of them would catch a cold, he quickly found some dead branches and lit a fire so that Tuoba Yu 'er and Yu Xiaoxue could warm up. He also sat at the side. The three of them roasted themselves for a while before their clothes became a little dry. Suddenly, a gust of cold wind blew over and extinguished the bonfire, sending smoke and dust flying. Chen Jingchou sat at the side of the cave entrance. He could not dodge in time, and his face was covered in charcoal.
Tuoba Yu 'er smiled and said,"Little Xue, look, the charcoal burner is here!"”Chen Jingchou quickly wiped it with his sleeve. Yu Xiaoxue quickly took out a handkerchief and went forward to help him wipe it clean. Tuoba Yu 'er took a few steps into the cave and said,""Ah Chou, this cave is indeed strange. Should we go in and take a look?”Chen Jingchou had this intention. He got a few torches and gave two to Tuoba Yu 'er and Yu Xiaoxue. The three of them went against the wind and walked into the cave. The cave was extremely humid, and water dripped down from the ceiling, and the walls of the cave were also covered in water droplets. The soles of his feet were extremely slippery. The three of them held each other's hands and walked forward carefully. After about the time it took to eat a meal, he had already made his way out of a half-meter-tall cave and arrived at a huge cave. Chen Jingchou looked up and saw a beam of light shooting down from the top of the cave. It was about a hundred feet tall. The cave was round and narrow at the top and wide at the bottom. It was like a huge bronze bell that covered him inside.
"Why is this cave so strange?" Yu Xiaoxue asked.”"I've never seen a cave of this shape before!" Chen Jingchou nodded.”Looking around, there was nothing special. Tuoba Yu 'er said,"I don't know if that giant is hiding here. Let's take a closer look."”Chen Jingchou nodded. The three of them walked around the cave, looking around as they walked. However, there were no other exits in the cave, nor were there any traces of birds or beasts. He could only return to the center of the cave. Yu Xiaoxue saw a pile of dead branches on the ground. She walked over and gently flipped them open. Suddenly, she said,"Look, what's on the ground?”Chen Jingchou walked over. With the help of the weak light, he bent down to take a look. It turned out to be some animal feces and some scattered feathers. The shortest feathers were two feet long. "These feathers are so long. They definitely don't belong to ordinary birds." Chen Jingchou said in surprise.”At this moment, an ear-piercing screech suddenly came from the top of the cave. Chen Jingchou's heart trembled. He made a hand gesture and said,""Everyone, retreat and hide with me!”The three of them quickly retreated to the side of the stone wall and hid behind the giant rock. They held their breaths and stared at the center of the cave with full concentration.
Not long after, the sound of flapping wings could be heard. Chen Jingchou raised his head and saw a huge black shadow slowly descending, almost filling the entire cave. Sunlight could not penetrate, and the cave was instantly pitch-black. After a while, a few muffled sounds rang out, and a cloud of dust immediately rose from the bottom of the cave. Chen Jingchou secretly craned his neck to take a look, and his heart couldn't help but jolt. He saw a large creature with five-colored feathers standing in the center of the cave. It was nearly two people tall, and its eyes were glaring at him. It had a ferocious appearance as it looked around.
Chen Jingchou made a gesture to the back. Tuoba Yu 'er and Yu Xiaoxue understood and gently took out their weapons and held them in their hands. Chen Jingchou secretly gathered strength in his palm and pressed down on the hilt of his sword. The giant looked at the cave for a while, then exhaled a puff of white gas from its nose. It seemed to have sensed something and walked a few steps away, slowly turning around the cave wall. Chen Jingchou waited for Ju Xing to approach him. He suddenly shouted and leaped forward, slapping his palm over. At this moment, Chen Jingchou had already cultivated the Water Elephant Ice Stone Chaotic Falling Art. He struck out with his palm, sweeping up a gust of cold wind that attacked Ju Meng. Ju Yi was startled, and he flapped his wings. With a hiss, he leaped high into the air. As the palm qi passed by, the five-colored feathers danced in the sky and fell down. Ju was not afraid at all. With a long cry, he flapped his wings several times and soared several feet high. Suddenly, he spread his blade-like wings and rushed toward Chen Jingchou. Chen Jingchou hurriedly jumped back to avoid it. Giant One couldn't reach him, so he quickly flapped his wings and flew away. In an instant, the sand and stones on the ground flew everywhere, making it impossible for people to open their eyes. Tuoba Yu 'er raised her sword and threw it at Ju Ling Kong. The giant turned its body slightly, its right wing flapping gently, blocking the blade. The blade spun half a circle in the air, and with a clang, sparks flew in all directions as it stabbed into the rock wall. Ju Kongkong turned around, opened his dustpan-sized claws, and clawed at Chen Jingchou. Tuoba Yu 'er and Yu Xiaoxue shouted at the same time. Chen Jingchou hurriedly took a step back. Suddenly, he heard a ripping sound as three large cuts appeared on his chest. Tuoba Yu 'er and Yu Xiaoxue rushed to the rescue and attacked from the left and right. Giant One couldn't catch them, so he spread his wings and swept them towards Yu Xiaoxue and Tuoba Yu 'er, creating a strong gust of wind. Tuoba Yu 'er was shocked and quickly rolled away. Yu Xiaoxue was stunned. Just as she was about to jump away, she suddenly felt a pain in her leg. She had been thrown to the ground and only stopped after rolling a few times. Before Ju could attack, Chen Jingchou shouted and pulled out his iron sword. He leaped into the air and turned around. His head was down and his feet were up. With a swoosh, the long sword pierced through his neck. Ju Fu cried out in pain, as if he had gone mad, flapping his wings. Before Chen Jingchou could leap up, he was thrown several feet away. His back landed on a protruding rock, and he was in unbearable pain. Ju Ji flapped his wings and was about to fly away when he fell down the moment his feet left the ground. His entire body was gradually invaded by the cold air, and he kept trembling. His limbs also slowly stiffened. After struggling a few more times, a faint white fog appeared on his body, and he could not move. In the end, he stood on the ground, his entire body covered in condensed white frost, like an ice statue. Chen Jingchou slowly got up. He felt a sharp pain in his back and his bones were about to break. He staggered back. Tuoba Yu 'er also helped Yu Xiaoxue up and examined her injuries. She saw that her leg was swollen and there was a large area of blood stasis. The injury was not light.
Tuoba Yu 'er applied the medicine on Yu Xiaoxue and came to check on Chen Jingchou's injuries. She saw that his back was also covered in bruises and quickly applied the medicine on him. The three of them rested for a while before Tuoba Yu 'er said,""Ah Chou, Xiao Xue, what do you think?”"I'm fine," Chen Jingchou said."Take a look at Xiaoxue."”Yu Xiaoxue quickly said,"My, my injury is nothing." You should take a look at Brother Chen's injuries!”Tuoba Yu 'er stood up and pouted.""Since you're all fine, I won't care anymore.”He turned around. Chen Jingchou lowered his head to look at the three tears on his clothes. Recalling the dangerous situation just now, he couldn't help but feel a lingering fear. If he had been half a step slower, he would have been cut open. After resting for a while, the cold air on the giant body gradually dissipated, and water droplets slowly flowed down its legs. Chen Jingchou got up, took out a dagger, and said,""The cold energy is almost gone. Let's cut off our flesh and go back quickly!”Tuoba Yu 'er and Yu Xiaoxue agreed. Chen Jingchou walked forward and cut off a palm-sized piece of meat from the giant leg. He put it in his pocket, climbed onto his back, and pulled out his sword. The three of them supported each other and went down the mountain.
That night, Chen Jingchou returned to the ship and did not rest. He followed the instructions in the prescription and placed the five herbs into the Shennong Cauldron to refine them. He started a fire at the bottom of the cauldron. Soon, a red mist rose from the mouth of the cauldron. After seven minutes, the red mist gradually dissipated. The five herbs had fused into a thumb-sized red pill. Chen Jingchou carefully took out the pill. This pill was extremely precious, and he couldn't find a suitable place to store it. He wrapped it in layers of silk letters and kept it in his bosom. They were all excited. Yu Xiaoxue was extremely tired and her leg was injured, so she went back to her cabin to sleep.
That night, the clouds were light and the wind was light. A bright moon was reflected in the river, and the entire river was white. The land was quiet, and the birds on the other side of the river passed through the night sky, occasionally chirping. Chen Jingchou stood on the deck, the breeze blowing on his face. He couldn't help but feel refreshed and at ease. Holding onto the railing, he strolled back a little, only to see a person standing by the side of the boat, looking at the moon shadow in the water, lost in thought. Chen Jingchou slowly walked over and recognized Tuoba Yu 'er. He walked over and said,""Sister Yu 'Er, it's so late. Why aren't you asleep yet?”Tuoba Yu 'er was slightly shocked and quickly turned her head. Seeing that it was Chen Jingchou, she did not answer and turned back. Chen Jingchou also leaned against the railing and said,""I've already refined the medicine to cure Martial Uncle Gongshan. Tomorrow, we can bring the Shennong Cauldron back to the Demon King Stronghold and report to Big Brother Cheng! Hopefully, it wasn't too late, there was still time!”Tuoba Yu 'er turned around and looked at Chen Jingchou.""Ah Chou, don't you need this cauldron to restore your country?”Chen Jingchou looked at the river and sighed.""Restore the country? To me, this divine cauldron is only used to refine medicine, cure Martial Uncle Gongshan's sword injury, and save Master!”Tuoba Yu 'er said," Then, didn't you say last time that your master wanted to set up some kind of formation? And this divine cauldron is a necessary item for the formation?"”
Chen Jingchou was speechless. After a while, he said,""That is only Master's lifelong wish. -- Actually, to me, it doesn't matter if I don't return to my country or get the world…I just want to live happily with Master, read books, compose poems, and visit the world!”Tuoba Yu 'er smiled,"You're quite an honest guy. I've been wrong about you in the past." I always thought that you would take the Divine Cauldron away.”"Sister Yu 'er also knows how to praise people!" Chen Jingchou laughed. It's really rare!" Tuoba Yu 'er pouted and turned her head away. The two of them continued to stand for a while before Chen Jingchou said,""We'll rush to the Devil King's Stronghold tomorrow morning. It's getting late and the wind is strong by the river. Be careful not to catch a cold.”"You should rest too!" Tuoba Yu 'er said.”He turned around and went downstairs. Chen Jingchou stood by the railing, his back aching slightly. He also went to rest.
At dawn the next day, they sailed southeast, stopped at the east bank of the canal, and then turned to land. A few days later, they arrived at the Devil King's Stronghold. It was the last day of the 15-day deadline. Along the mountain path, halfway up the mountain, they could already see the stronghold at the top of the mountain in the distance. The three of them quickened their pace and walked towards the village. Tuoba Yu 'er suddenly stopped in her tracks when she reached the door. She said,""Ah Chou, Xiao Xue, wait a moment." He quickly pulled Chen Jingchou and Yu Xiaoxue to the woods by the roadside. "Sister Yu 'er, what happened?" Chen Jingchou did not understand.”"Quick, look at the gate!" Tuoba Yu 'er said.”Chen Jingchou craned his neck to look and saw that the banners on both sides of the stockade gate were fluttering in the wind. They were actually in the style of government troops. Even the minions guarding the gate had been replaced by armored soldiers. He exclaimed,"Ah, why are the soldiers guarding the gate? Did something happen to Brother Cheng?" "Could it be that the Demon King's Stronghold has been taken down by the soldiers?" Yu Xiaoxue asked.”Tuoba Yu 'er also took a few glances before turning around and saying,""It's very possible. In that case, we have to be careful! Unfortunately, the entrance to the secret passage is at the back of the mountain. We can't sneak into the village to investigate now.”Chen Jingchou lowered his head and pondered for a moment before saying,""I'll pretend to be a passerby and go over to find out. If Big Brother Cheng is really captured by the soldiers, we must save him.”"You have to be careful." Tuoba Yu 'er nodded.”Chen Jingchou handed the iron sword to Yu Xiaoxue. Holding the dagger, he was secretly on guard as he walked towards the village gate alone. Tuoba Yu 'er and Yu Xiaoxue broke out in cold sweat.
As soon as he reached the door, a guard came up to the railing and asked,"What do you do?" Chen Jingchou bowed and said," This lowly one is just passing by. As I don't know the way here, I got lost here. Please do me a favor and guide me down the mountain."”Just as the soldier was about to reply, another man in military uniform walked over and sized up Chen Jingchou. Chen Jingchou secretly gathered strength in his palm. Suddenly, the officer came to a realization and said,""Oh! Aren't you from half a month ago? The little brother who came to see the king?”Chen Jingchou saw that he was wearing a military uniform, yet he addressed him as the king. He was puzzled and could not help but look confused. When the officer saw this, he smiled." Brother, you may not know this, but our King Cheng has already surrendered to Lord Zhang Xutuo of the Imperial Court. Please wait here for a moment. Allow me to go in and report."”As he spoke, he turned around and walked into the stronghold. Chen Jingchou heaved a sigh of relief and gestured. Tuoba Yu 'er and Yu Xiaoxue had also rushed over. Chen Jingchou told them what he had said, and both of them were very surprised.
Not long after, the gate opened and two people walked out. From afar, one of them laughed and said,"As expected, it's you guys, good boy!" Walking up to them, they were Cheng Yaojin and Qin Shubao. However, they were both wearing armor and golden helmets. They had already changed their general's attire. "Big brothers, this?" Chen Jingchou asked in puzzlement.……”"Little Brother Chen, if you have anything to say, please come in!" Qin Shubao said.”He led the way and brought the three of them into the hall. the guest and host are seated separately. Cheng Yaojin laughed." I heard the report from the minions. I guessed it was you. You came at the right time!" My village will be completely moved away in a few days. Today is the perfect time to gather with the few young righteous men!”Although he had submitted to the imperial court, he could not change his mind for the time being. Chen Jingchou was puzzled. He stood up and said,""Big Brother Qin, Big Brother Cheng, why is the current Imperial Court so corrupt?”Qin Shubao stroked his beard and smiled.""Good question. Your question has hit the nail on the head!”After a pause, he said," In today's world, the fatuous ruler has no way, and the people can't bear to live. Although this foolish brother has the heart to save the people, he suffers from not having the strength to save the people! -- With just the two of us and a few thousand men, it's easier said than done to save the people of the world from fire and water!”"So…you and Big Brother Cheng…" Qin Shubao continued,"You and Big Brother Cheng…""Little Brother Chen, don't worry. Brother Cheng and I have submitted to the Imperial Court, not to serve as pawns for a fatuous ruler! Zhang Xutuo, Lord Zhang, is upright and dares to make decisions for the people. If Brother Cheng and I surrender to him and borrow the power of the government army, we might be able to save the people from misery in the future.”Cheng Yaojin smiled." The last time you came, you saw Brother Qin discussing something with me at the inn at the foot of the mountain. He was the one who advised me to quit!"”Chen Jingchou didn't know whether he was right or wrong, nor did he know what to say. "Since you're here, don't be in a hurry to leave. Stay here for a few days first," said Qin Shubao. Brother Cheng and I will be taking up our positions in the army in a few days, so we can go down the mountain together.”"Yes, yes, I'll stay for a few days first!" Cheng Yaojin hurriedly said.”He turned his head and said,"Someone come!" Hurry up and clean up the dishes and serve the good wine!”
Tuoba Yu 'er stood up and said," Wait a minute, King Cheng. I've found the Divine Cauldron and brought it to the Demon King's Stronghold!"”Cheng Yaojin looked around and thought for a while. He patted his head and said,""Oh! Are you talking about that treasured cauldron?" "Since I've brought the cauldron back as scheduled, I'd like to ask King Cheng to abide by the agreement!" Tuoba Yu 'er said.”"Promise…What promise do I have with this girl?" Cheng Yaojin asked curiously.”He looked at Qin Shubao. Qin Shubao smiled as he looked at Tuoba Yu 'er and praised,""You're indeed a good girl. You kept your promise and brought the divine cauldron back on time. However…" He turned around and said," Brother Cheng, that martial arts competition…I think we can skip it!”Cheng Yaojin suddenly remembered and laughed."This little girl is quite good at remembering! I've long forgotten about this!" Waving his hand, he said," Forget it, forget it. I'm not interested in that cauldron anymore. You can keep it for yourself."”
Tuoba Yu 'er stepped forward and said,"No, no!" If King Cheng doesn't accept my challenge, I won't be at ease even if I take the cauldron away!”
"Forget it, forget it. Even if I give you the cauldron, you don't have to fight anymore!" Cheng Yaojin said.”Chen Jingchou and Yu Xiaoxue also went forward to persuade him, but no matter how Tuoba Yu 'er tried to persuade him, she would not listen. She insisted on competing with Cheng Yaojin. Qin Shubao turned his head and smiled." What should we do, Brother Cheng? She's so eager to fight. I think you should spar with this little girl and stretch your muscles and bones to see who's better!"”Cheng Yaojin was helpless." Alright, alright, alright. I'll just hit him casually then!"”Stretching his back, he strode out of the door. Everyone followed. Cheng Yaojin stood in the center of the empty space in front of the village. Qin Shubao stood by the side of the field and said," Today's martial arts competition. Everyone, stop at a certain point. No weapons are allowed. Don't hurt the harmony!"”
Tuoba Yu 'er took off her sword and placed it on the ground. She jumped into the arena and got into position."I've offended you!" He was about to attack.
Cheng Yaojin raised his right hand and suddenly said,"Wait!" Why are you alone?"
Tuoba Yu 'er stopped halfway and asked,"What's wrong?" King Cheng? Of course, I'm alone!"
Cheng Yaojin shook his head." No, no, I can't fight a little girl like you!" All three of you come down together."
Tuoba Yu 'er raised her eyebrows and turned to Chen Jingchou.""This is a matter between me and King Cheng. You are absolutely not allowed to interfere! It would be disgraceful to win against him in a three-on-one battle!”
Cheng Yaojin shouted,"No, no, I won't fight anymore!" Fighting with a little girl, if word got out, I would be laughed at by all the heroes in the martial world!”
Tuoba Yu 'er said anxiously,"If you don't fight, then my cauldron…won't I never be able to get my cauldron back?!"”The two of them froze on the spot.
"Big Brother Qin, what should we do?" Chen Jingchou looked at Qin Shubao.……”Qin Shubao's expression remained unchanged. After a while, he walked into the arena and said,""How about this, I'll go down too! The three of you attacking together, isn't this fair?”Tuoba Yu 'er had no choice but to let Chen Jingchou and Yu Xiaoxue enter the arena. "That's more like it!" Cheng Yaojin laughed.”
Everyone got into position. "Big brothers, I'm sorry to offend you." Chen Jingchou bowed.”He waved his palm forward. Cheng Yaojin and Qin Shubao came over at the same time. The three of them moved forward and backward, attacking and defending, advancing and retreating, and fighting up and down in a clear and orderly manner. Yu Xiaoxue stood there, not knowing if she should step forward. Tuoba Yu 'er flew over as well, but for some reason, Chen Jingchou kept blocking her path and she couldn't get in. She circled around Cheng Yaojin, Qin Shubao, and Chen Jingchou a few times and was so anxious that beads of sweat were forming on her forehead. She shouted,""Ah Chou! Get out of the way!" Chen Jingchou didn't seem to hear him and continued to attack. The three of them were stuck together.
After dozens of exchanges, Tuoba Yu 'er still hadn't made a single move. Feeling anxious, she suddenly went behind Chen Jingchou, grabbed his collar, and pulled him back with all her might. Chen Jing and Chou Wan did not expect Tuoba Yu 'er to be like this. With a cry, they staggered back three steps and almost fell. When they turned around, Tuoba Yu' er was already fighting with Cheng Yaojin. Cheng Yaojin's fists were thrown at Tuoba Yu 'er from left to right. He had amazing physical strength. Although he constantly reminded himself to use less strength and not hurt others, his punches were still powerful. Chen Jingchou and Cheng Yaojin had exchanged a few blows. They knew that it was difficult for him to control his strength. If one of these two punches landed, Tuoba Yu 'er would definitely be injured. Just as he was about to step forward to block, he saw Qin Shubao stroking his beard with his left hand and lightly jumping. He had already landed between the two of them. His right palm took the opportunity to slap Tuoba Yu' er. The momentum was slow, but his back just blocked Cheng Yaojin's fist path. Cheng Yaojin's fists were halfway out, and he was shocked, but he couldn't stop. Chen Jingchou quickly jumped up and received Cheng Yaojin's attack. The situation had become two against two. Qin Shubao and Tuoba Yu 'er exchanged blows. His martial arts were extremely strong, so there was no need to worry.
Who knew that Tuoba Yu 'er would leave Qin Shubao behind after a few moves and attack Cheng Yaojin, determined to compete with him. At this moment, Cheng Yaojin and Chen Jingchou's hands were separated. One attacked calmly while the other moved nimbly. They were evenly matched. Cheng Yaojin was in high spirits as he shouted and punched at Chen Jingchou. If it was Chen Jingchou, he would naturally be able to resolve it effortlessly. However, Tuoba Yu 'er just happened to come over and suddenly felt a strong wind blowing against her face. With a' ah', she hurriedly bent over to dodge. Her fist had already reached her face, but it was already too late. Shocked, Chen Jingchou extended his palm to block from the left. Qin Shubao also hurriedly waved his palm to block from the right. With a bang, the fist and palm collided and lifted Cheng Yaojin's fist. Cheng Yaojin couldn't hold back and his fist brushed past Tuoba Yu 'er's head. Tuoba Yu 'er was shocked and quickly waved her palms, hitting Cheng Yaojin's lower abdomen. Cheng Yao had thick skin and flesh, these two palms could only tickle him. However, Cheng Yaojin held his lower abdomen and took a few steps back. He shouted,"Everyone, stop!" Chen Jingchou and Qin Shubao hurriedly put away their stances.
Cheng Yaojin jumped out of the circle and laughed."Not bad, little kids. I lost!”Tuoba Yu 'er was unhappy. She walked to the side and frowned."You're too dishonest. You're clearly bullying me!”Qin Shubao smiled." Hey, let's compare our martial arts skills. Let's stop here." Young lady is so young, but you have such skills. It really broadens my horizons!”
Tuoba Yu 'er smiled when she heard that. She turned and said,""Brother Cheng, thank you! Please forgive me for offending you in the past!”"Well said, well said!" Cheng Yaojin laughed.”"Then how about we invite everyone to the hall for a few drinks?" Qin Shubao said.”Chen Jingchou cupped his hands and declined." Thank you for your kind intentions, Big Brother Qin. Since the matter has been resolved, this little brother still has important matters to attend to. Thus, I must take my leave first!" Before he could finish, he felt his hand tighten, as if he had entered an iron hoop. Cheng Yaojin shouted and pulled Chen Jingchou into the hall. Chen Jingchou had no choice but to sit down at the table. Tuoba Yu 'er and Yu Xiaoxue also sat next to each other.
Not long after, dishes and wine were served, and everyone urged each other to drink. Halfway through the drinking, Chen Jingchou told them that his master was trapped and that he was about to deliver the medicine back to Lei Xiaze to cure his uncle-master. When Qin Shubao heard this, he stopped drinking and said,""The sky is already dark today. Brother Chen, you should stay in a shelter for the night. Tomorrow morning, I will send my brother down the mountain.”Chen Jingchou thought that this was the only way. The few of them drank once. Cheng Yaojin drank bowl after bowl and drank five to six catties of wine. He was already drunk and wobbly. Chen Jingchou and the others left. Qin Shubao did not stay any longer. He instructed his subordinates to arrange the guest rooms and let the three of them rest early.
Early the next morning, Chen Jingchou set off. Cheng Yaojin couldn't keep him, so he had to send him to the entrance of the village with Qin Shubao. Qin Shubao called for three fast horses and took a bag from the hands of his soldiers. He said,"Younger Brother Chen has come from far away, thousands of miles away from home. This small gift is a small token of my brother's sincerity. I hope that my brother will not refuse.”Chen Jingchou took it and felt that the bag was heavy and full of metal objects. "This…how dare this little brother…"
Cheng Yaojin was unhappy and said,"Brother!" Do you think my money is dirty?”" No, Big Brother Cheng," Chen Jingchou hurriedly said." How dare I? I just think that this gift is too expensive!"”
"These silver taels were taken by Brother Cheng from the government earlier," said Qin Shubao.”
Chen Jingchou could only accept it. "Brother Chen, that's more like it!" Cheng Yaojin laughed.”"Thank you, big brothers!" Chen Jingchou bowed. -- After today's departure, he did not know when he would meet again.”
"Brother Cheng and I will be leaving this place in the future to take up our posts in the army," said Qin Shubao. Everyone is like-minded people. As long as you always remember to save the people from fire and water, do what you can. Even if you are thousands of miles away, it is still as if you are right in front of you.”Chen Jingchou nodded in agreement, and Tuan Tuan returned the greeting. Tuoba Yu 'er and Yu Xiaoxue also said goodbye. The three of them led their horses down the mountain.
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